Chalabi likely to succeed in new Iraq government, despite controversy

[Barrett808]

Chalabi likely to succeed in new Iraq government, despite controversy
By Dogen Hannah and Nancy A. Youssef
Knight Ridder Newspapers

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Even though Ahmad Chalabi apparently lost badly in last month's parliamentary election here, the former Pentagon favorite is still likely to be a big player in the next Iraqi government.

The Dec. 15 vote went largely to ethnic and sectarian coalitions at the expense of secular slates, including his, preliminary returns indicate. That could leave him without a seat in parliament.

Yet the former exile who helped spur the U.S.-led invasion by feeding false intelligence to Washington about Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction, and who returned to Iraq after Saddam's fall to craft himself into a political leader, still has more cards to play. Characteristically, Chalabi, 61, could land on his feet in a high government post even though he failed to win even a minimum of votes from the Iraqi people.

"He is a very experienced politician," said political scientist Hazim Abdulhameed al-Nuaimi of Baghdad's Mustansiriya University. Chalabi has "the ability to retreat and start from zero."

(more)

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/iraq/13535019.htm

[zapp]

1. These thugs we have in control

Are like the mob. They promote based on loyalty, not on performance.

[tabasco]

2. As soon as the US military is gone.

Chalabi will be strung up.

Of course, he will probably escape with his billions of our money to a secure hideaway.

[xultar]

3. PROPAGANDA....

[dgauss]

4. Chalabi seems to have Rove's gift

for getting away with pretty much anything. Some people just thrive in corrupt environments.

[daleo]

5. He is a very experienced politician, but can't win any votes

That statement seems inconsistent.